Welcome to the Texas Wine Scene Podcast. The most up-to-date information to help you prepare for your wine tasting weekend. I'm Mike, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent, bringing you all the wine happenings in and around the great state of Texas. From the high plains to the hill country. If you love Texas wine, you've come to the right place. Let's take a trip. Welcome back everyone to the Texas Wine Scene Podcast.
I'm your host, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent, Mike Cole, bringing you all the wine happenings in and around the great state of Texas. If you are a subscriber to the podcast, thank you so much for returning and tuning into this week's episode. And if you are new to the podcast, thank you so much for stopping by to check us out. We are an information-based podcast supporting and sharing wine events, tastings, and industry news from around the great state of Texas.
So I hope you enjoy the content and if you do, please consider subscribing and sharing the podcast with all your wine-loving friends. It helps to continue to spread the word about the podcast and keeps everyone informed about current wine-related events. Also, please follow me on my socials at Texas Wine Scene on Instagram and Texas Wine Scene on Facebook, where you will see all the posts about upcoming events for the weekend. So let's get into our Texas Wine Scene News.
The Texas Wine and Great Growers Association released their monthly industry update, and here are a few highlights. President John Matthews recently visited the Texas Artisan Vineyards Cooperative in Brownfield, Texas, where they had discussions focused on how TWIGA is playing a pivotal role in advocating for effective solutions and resources for growers in the high plains.
TWIGA writes that they have reinforced the association's commitment to not only address current challenges, but also implement strategies that will propel the Texas high plains sector moving forward. The Texas Artisan Vineyards Cooperative was formed in 2018 with the mission to serve the common interests of Texas Wine-Great Growers and to enhance the profitability of wine-great production through promotion, research, and education.
The Cooperative has over 40 members, with a combined 1,100 acres of vineyards total. Some notable members of the Cooperative include Newsome Vineyards, Oswald Vineyards, Ready Vineyards, and Why Not Vineyards, just to name a few. The 40-member Cooperative has equipment available from time to time to borrow, rent, trade, or buy. They also have a scholarship program designated for aspiring students who want to obtain a Texas Tech Viticulture certificate.
TWIGA wants you to mark your calendars for their annual conference and trade show to be held March 3-5, 2025 in San Marcos, Texas. This annual conference is the Texas Wine Industry's premier event where you can engage with winemakers, vineyard owners, suppliers, service providers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals from across the state. In a recent article by Victoria Lopez of The Hill Country Reporter, the Texas Hill Country was once again nominated for USA Today's Best Wine Region.
The Lone Star State has been ranked between number three and number ten since 2018. The article references that many of the Texas Hill Country wineries provide wine tasting experiences alongside wildlife animals such as rhinos, zebras, and even giraffes. Other wineries have balloon rides to experience the region's scenic views from high above the rolling hills. Hopefully, this year, we'll bring home the top slot for the best wine region in the country.
The Wine and Food Foundation has extended their deadline for scholarship applications from July 15 to July 22. This year, the Wine and Food Foundation is granting a total of $90,000 toward its philanthropic initiatives with $35,000 of that amount earmarked for educational scholarships. They write, regardless of your tenure in the industry, all are encouraged to apply for the Wine and Food Foundation hospitality scholarships.
Ideal applicants are passionate and dedicated individuals who are deeply committed to advancing their knowledge and expertise in the world of wine and food. The scholarships can be used for hospitality and education programs including Wine and Spirits Education Trust, WSET, TechSOM, Texas Culinary Academy, the Court of Master's and Malayays, Society of Wine Educators, and the Wine Scholar Guild.
Speaking of education programs, the Texas Tech Viticultural Certificate Program has begun their open enrollment. From now until August 31, candidates can submit applications to Kirk Williams at kirk.w.williams at ttu.edu. This certificate program begins September 15. Grayson College Viticulture and Analogy Program in Denison, Texas begins enrollment on August 12 with registration on July 27.
And Palo Alto College in San Antonio, Texas Viticulture and Analogy Program, their registration deadline is August 25. And that's your Texas Wine Scene news. This week we continue our mini series on the most popular red and white grape varieties in Texas and this week we'll focus on Vermantino. Vermantino is presumed to be of Spanish origin, though it displays genetic similarities to a grape variety called ferment from Hungary.
The most popular grape growing region from which this grape variety is known is the Italian coastline island of Sardinia, where it is called Role. Role is also a designation given to Vermantino grown throughout Provence and Longdoc Roussillon in southeastern France. Vermantino is a thin-skinned, early budding, late-ripening grape variety that prefers a warm, sunny, and long-growing season, thriving in Mediterranean-type climates such as what we have here in Texas.
Classic vermentino will offer up lively aromas that are zesty, fresh, and aromatic such as pears, white peach, lime, and pink grapefruit. But due to its complex fruit profile, vermentino is capable of presenting two different varietal styles based on wine-making techniques. The lighter, floral, and zestier style of vermentino mentioned previously is fermented in stainless steel tinks, preserving its acidity and zing in the wine.
Whereas the alternate style of vermentino goes through a second fermentation in the oak barrels called malalactic fermentation, which converts tart acid to a softer acid, given the wine a richer, more creamier mouthfeel. Look out for vermentino as it continues to gain in popularity in many wineries and tasting rooms across the state of Texas. Before we get into the wine events for the weekend, let's check the weather.
The weather for the weekend, and high plains wine-growing region, will have high temperatures of 94 degrees, with low temperatures of 67 degrees. The north Texas wine growing region will have high temperatures of 96 degrees, with low temperatures of 75 degrees. The west Texas wine growing region will have high temperatures of 85 degrees, with low temperatures of 61 degrees. The Texas Hill Country wine growing region will have high temperatures of 90 degrees with low temperatures of 69 degrees.
And the Gulf Coast wine growing region will have high temperatures of 94 degrees with low temperatures of 76 degrees. Join Messina Hoff in Great Vine, Texas for their Summer Sip and Wine Cocktail class on Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 2pm. Guests will learn how to craft refreshing summer wine cocktails from master mixers as you transform Messina Hoff's award-winning wines into refreshing summer cocktail staples.
You will learn how to make three different cocktails in this hands-on class while enjoying light bites expertly paired to serve with your delicious concoctions. For more information on this event, visit their website at messinahoff.com. Head on over to Brownfield, Texas for the 12th annual Great Capital of Texas Vineyard Festival event on Friday, July 12th from 7 to 10pm.
Mix and mingle with fellow wine enthusiasts while enjoying a stellar lineup of wineries on hand for wine sales by the glass or bottle. Then sit back and relax for the musical sounds provided by the talented Clifton Castle. Come back to the Armory on Saturday, July 13th from 5 to 10pm for Vineyard tours by Bingham and Oswald Vineyards with a deliciously curated wine dinner following the tour. Live music will be performed by the dudes.
For more information and ticket purchases for this event, visit brownfieldchamber.com. Portrait sellers in high Texas is having their sip and paint party on Friday, July 12th from 5 to 7pm. This will be a fun night of art and wine guided by the talented local artist Evia Belard. Evia will help you create a wine-inspired painting while enjoying a glass of Portrait Seller's wine. All painting supplies will be provided and a glass of wine is included with your ticket purchase.
Additional food and wine will be available for purchase as well. For more information on this event, visit their website at PortraitSellers.com. The Texas Wine Collective is back with another fun and unique wine and food pairing event on Saturday, July 13th from 11 to 4pm. This time, it's Ice Cream and Wine. July is here and nothing says summer like ice cream. How could two of these favorite things possibly go well together?
Never fear, the talented and well-educated tasting room staff will guide you through this intriguing tasting experience and explain how and why the flavors of ice cream and wine work together. For more information on this event, visit their website at TexasWineCollective.com. Are you ready for a few laughs with your wine? If so, then join Juniper Cove Winery in Whitney, Texas for their Comedy Night event on Saturday, July 13th from 6 to 8pm.
Danny B will be the headliner for the evening show and if you haven't seen her in action, you're in for quite a treat. For more information and ticket purchases for this event, visit their website at JuniperCoveWinery.com. 12 Fires Winery in Johnson City will like you to know that you're invited to the third annual Wine and Swine Pig Roast event on Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 3pm.
Indulge in the rustic charm of the Texas Hill Country and savor an unforgettable experience of delectable food and exceptional wines. Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary feast featuring a succulent pig roast, prepared with traditional flavors and accompanied by an array of mouthwatering side dishes. As you savor the flavorful meats, their award-winning wines will be expertly paired to enhance your culinary experience.
For more information on this event, visit their website at 12fires.com. Join Triple En Ranch Winery in Trinidad, Texas for their Chocolate Strawberry Decorating class on Saturday, July 14th from 1 to 2.30pm. Head on out to spend a decadent and delightful afternoon learning the art of dipping and decorating chocolate strawberries with expert Brooke Jacobs. Start off your experience with a glass of Triple En Ranch Signature Sparkling Wine Longhorn Bubbles.
Guests will learn the best practices of dipping and decorating beautiful and delicious strawberries, and each participant will decorate and take home 12 large, beautifully adorned strawberries. Whether you are a chocolate enthusiast or simply love creating edible art, this class is perfect for all skill levels. For more information on this event, visit their website at www.trippleenranchwinery.com.
How about continuing your wine and culinary dessert skills by joining Horseshoe Bend Sellers and Winery in Iowa Park, Texas for their Christmas in July Cookie Baking event on July 16th at 6pm. During this one and a half hour class, guests will decorate six cookies using four colors in this summer Christmas themed class all while enjoying Horseshoe Bend Sellers Award winning wines. So snag your baking buddy and head on out for a deliciously good time.
For more information on this event, visit their website at www.horseshoebendsellers.com. Head on out to the Grape Town Winery in Fredericksburg, Texas for their Grape Stop and Sweet Wine Festival on Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 3pm. There will be wine tastings, craft cocktails, grape stopping, live music, vendors, and exotic animals including donkeys, goats, camels, and more. This family and pet friendly event will have plenty of activities for all to enjoy.
For more information on this event, visit thebestoftexas.org. If you want to just slow down for the weekend and just kick back and relax with great wine and music, then join a Dega Vino in Stonewall, Texas for their Summer Jazz Night on Saturday, July 13th from 7 to 9pm. They will be featuring live jazz music by the Mike Kaysberg Trio and there will be plenty of wine available to purchase along with pizza from the food truck.
Bring your friends, your family, picnic blankets, and take a break from the sunny summer days and let's jazz it up. For more information on this event, visit their website at www.adegaveano.com. And those are your wine events for the weekend. Play tune for your music lineup for the weekend. Up next! Arch Ray Winery in Fredericksburg, Texas gets the music lineup started this weekend with Bill Mackle on stage Friday, July 12th from 4 to 7pm.
Dry Comel Creek Vineyards in New Bromples will have David Russell on stage Friday, July 12th from 5 to 8pm, followed by Stella on Sunday, July 14th from 2 to 5pm. The Estah Winery on 290 will host Frankie and Tanner Enlow on stage Saturday, July 13th from 3 to 6pm. Peridnalis Sellers in Stonewall will let the very popular James Hurn assume the musical duties on Saturday, July 13th from 12 to 4pm.
Texas Hills Vineyards in Johnson City will have Michael Norder-Thomas on stage Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 4pm. Torna Locks in Burnett, Texas will let Bond Fusion Jam out on Saturday, July 13th from 2 to 5pm. Bernhardt Winery in Plansersville, Texas will have Big City Nights on stage performing a Scorpions tribute Sunday, July 14th from 7 to 9pm.
Augusta Venn Winery in Fredericksburg is having their Sipson Sounds event starring Dylan Tanner Hink on Friday, July 12th from 3 to 6pm, followed by Hunter Billingsley on Saturday, July 13th from 2 to 5pm. DV Jazz will close out the set on Sunday, July 14th from 3 to 6pm. West Sandy Creek Winery in Richards, Texas will have Christa Jean on stage Saturday, July 13th from 4 to 7pm, followed by Todd Roth on Sunday, July 14th from 2 to 5pm.
Marker Sellers in Bridgeport will let Matthew Marcus McDaniel rock the house on Friday, July 12th from 5.30 to 8.30pm. Barron's Creek Vineyards in Fredericksburg will have David Selbow on stage Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 4pm. Two Brothers Winery in Keller, Texas will have the Jaybirds on stage Saturday, July 13th from 7 to 9pm. Bending Branch Winery in Comfort will let Nico and Jacob play some tunes on Sunday, July 14th from 2 to 5pm.
Longhorn Sellers in Fredericksburg will have Tejas Bohemio on stage Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 4pm. The Texas Wine Collective in Fredericksburg will have the Talented Caitlin King on stage Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 5pm. William Chris Vineyards in High, Texas will let Todd Roth bring the noise on Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 4pm. Adegavino in Stonewall, Texas will have the Mike Casper Trio performing some smooth jazz on Saturday, July 13th from 7 to 9pm.
Blue Ostrich Winery in St. Joe will have T.A. Brower on stage Saturday, July 13th from 1.15 to 4.30pm. Lost Oak Winery in Burleson, Texas is having their concert on the Lonnie Bend, starring the Capon Jewett Band on Saturday, July 13th from 6 to 9pm. English Newsome Sellers in Lubbock, Texas will host Danny Godra on stage Saturday, July 13th from 3.30 to 5.30pm.
Los Pinos Ranch Winery in Pittsburgh, Texas will have Owen Tyner on stage Friday, July 12th from 6 to 9pm, followed by Lodee on Saturday, July 13th from 6 to 9pm. Moody Family Wines in Bullard, Texas will get you in the mood for a good time with Mudwheel on stage Friday, July 12th from 6 to 8.30pm, followed by Shane Andrews on Saturday, July 13th from 6 to 8.30pm as well. Triple En Ranch Winery in Trinidad, Texas is having an ultimate music tribute on Saturday, July 13th from 6.45 to 9.
Michael Ross Winery in Fredericksburg will have Sherita Perez on stage Saturday, July 13th from 2 to 5.00pm. And Singing Water Vineyards in Comfort, Texas will close out the music lineup for the weekend with the George Engle Duo on stage Saturday, July 13th from 1 to 4.00pm, followed by Dave Kemp on Sunday, July 14th from 1 to 4.00pm. And that's your music lineup for the weekend. Stay tuned for Did You Know?
If you are familiar with grape growing here in the state of Texas, then you've probably heard a time or two that most of the grapes are grown in the high plains. But have you ever asked yourself why in fact that is the case? Well, let's dig a bit deeper and examine why most of the Texas grape varieties are grown in the Texas high plains. But I must warn you, this may require you to think back to Mrs. Chapman's geography class that you may have fallen asleep in 10 to 20 years ago.
When you want to successfully grow grapes and produce a commercial crop, one must grow grapes in temperate zones between 30 and 50 degrees north and south latitudes. So what does that mean? On that all too familiar blue world globe that sat atop Mrs. Chapman's desk, the horizontal lines that start from the equator at 0 degrees and moving north or south toward the poles are the latitudinal lines. At 0 degrees, these are some of the warmest areas on the planet.
And as we move north or south from the equator, the temperature gets colder. As mentioned earlier, the temperate zones for growing grapes are between 30 and 50 degrees north and south latitude. The Texas high plains near Lubbock, Texas, where we find a lot of our Texas vineyards sits on the southern edge of the temperate zone at about 33 degrees north latitude, which is one reason why we can successfully grow grapes in this area.
At areas with latitudes less than 30 degrees, they experience a hotter climate due to the direct intensity of the sun on the earth. As you move northern or southern along the globe, the angle of the sun on the earth is less intense, resulting in decreased temperatures. But a second reason why the Texas high plains, and might I add the Texas hill country, is suitable for successful grape growing is altitude.
The Texas high plains are located on a plateau at an elevation of between 2800 feet to 4000 feet above sea level, and the Texas hill country around Fredericksburg is on average 1700 feet above sea level with a maximum of 2000 feet. For reference, San Antonio, Texas is 800 feet above sea level with a maximum of 1800 feet, and Houston, Texas is average 80 feet above sea level with a maximum of 300 feet above sea level. Why is all this geography relevant?
Well, as you increase in tallness of the earth due to hills or mountains, the temperature decreases, which helps to balance acids and sugars in the grapes. With all this talk about elevation and geography, let's talk about a couple of extremes. Where in the world do you think the highest vineyard in terms of elevation is grown? And where in the world is the most northern latitude vineyard planted?
Well, did you know that the highest vineyard planted to date is a vineyard in Tibet, China, at approximately 11,500 feet above sea level, with 11 grape varieties planted and Vidal and Muscat grape varieties being the most popular? The most northerly vineyard planted is a vineyard in Munch Horton, Norway, which lies at latitude 59 degrees north latitude with 20 varieties planted with the unknown varieties named Hussanke Sladke from Russia, Solaris from Germany, and Rondo from France.
Well, that would do it for this week's episode. Thank you for joining me. I'm Mike Cole, your Texas Wine Scene correspondent, and I look forward to seeing you next time on the Texas Wine Scene. For more in-depth information on the wineries mentioned in this episode, visit the Texas Wine Lover website at txwinelover.com or the Texas Wine Lover app. There you will be able to find a vast amount of information about Texas wineries and wine-related businesses.
You can also search for information such as winery hours, grape varieties, food options, pet and kid-friendly wineries, and much, much more. Visit their website at txwinelover.com. That's txwinelover.com. And please leave me a rating and a review and share the podcast with all your wine-loving friends. Cheers!